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Picnicking

The Forest Preserve District of Will County has over 30 picnic shelters found in various preserves throughout the county.

A permit is required for all groups of 25 or more to use a shelter. The largest shelter, Bluegill Hill Shelter at Monee Reservoir, can accommodate up to 200 people. Shelter amenities vary by shelter, but all include wheelchair accessible picnic tables, grills and latrines.

If you are looking for the perfect venue for your next family picnic or celebration, search below for a picnic shelter near you.

How to Get a Picnic Permit

Shelters and groves are available for rental on a first-come, first-served basis. Permits for rentals in a calendar year become available on the first business day of the new year. No tentative reservations are issued.

Renters must be 18 years or older to obtain a permit. A permit must be obtained no less than two business days prior to the reservation date.

All reservations must be made in person. Reservations are not taken over the phone. A permit can be purchased at any of the following visitor centers:

Sugar Creek Administration Center, Joliet

Isle a la Cache Museum, Romeoville

Plum Creek Nature Center, Crete Township

Monee Reservoir, Monee Township (This visitor center only permits the shelters and grove at its location.)

For the Four Rivers Shelter in Channahon, check availability and arrange for rental by calling 815.722.9470.

Certain activities and equipment are subject to approval and may require extra fees or a certificate of insurance. Be sure to mention any extra equipment (for example, an inflatable, tent or generator) you plan on having at your function at the time of booking.

A permit grants exclusive use of a shelter for the entire day. You may access the shelter beginning at 8 a.m. You must clean up and exit the preserve by sunset.

Large Capacity Shelter

The Bluegill Hill Shelter at Monee Reservoir in Monee can accomodate up to 200 people. Call 708.534.8499 to check availability.

Will County Resident: $100

Nonresident: $200

Picnic Grove

The Monee Grove at Monee Reservoir in Monee has a capacity of 100 people. Call 708.534.8499 to check availability.

Will County Resident: $35

Nonresident: $70

Picnic Permit Rules and Regulations

The following rules and regulations must be agreed to prior to obtaining a picnic permit. Please read if you are interested in obtaining a picnic permit. All preserve rules must also be followed while visiting a District preserve.

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The permit holder is subject to all rules and regulations contained in the Forest Preserve District of Will County's General Use Ordinance No. 124, the Illinois Criminal Code, the Illinois Vehicle Code and the Illinois Game and Fish Codes.

Permit holder must provide the District with a certificate of insurance naming the Forest Preserve District of Will County as an additional insured.

Permit holder must provide the District with a map of the event route if District trails are being utilized during the event.

Applications for events must be submitted no less than 30 days prior to the event. If the event is approved, all required documents and payment must be submitted no later than 2 weeks prior to the event date.

Permit holder must be 18 years of age or older and present throughout the duration of the event.

The permit is valid only for the date, time, and name listed on the permit.

Attendance must not exceed the amount listed on the permit.

The District reserves the right to close the preserves and/or limit access within preserves during regular open hours when safety and/or weather conditions warrant such actions.

Refunds will not be given for canceled events. The District is not responsible for events canceled due to inclement weather.

The District assumes no liability for any injuries that occur as a result of your function or activity.

Driving or parking on the grass, sidewalks, or trails is prohibited. Vehicles are only permitted in designated parking areas and on roadways.

Inflatable bounce houses must be supplied by a Forest Preserve District approved vendor. Inflatable water slides are prohibited.

Gathering firewood is prohibited. Please help us reduce the risk of spreading the Emerald Ash Borer by obtaining firewood within a 50-mile radius of the preserve. Do not transport firewood across state lines in accordance with mandates from the Illinois Department of Agriculture.

Start fires only in designated fire pits or grills. Building fires on the grass is prohibited. Fires must be extinguished before the reservation end time. Dispose of hot coals in fire pits and grills only.

Music should not be audible beyond the immediate vicinity nor should it disturb other visitors or permitted groups.

Using paint to mark a trail is prohibited. If an event requires marking of the trail, chalk must be used.

Do not mark on or affix anything (tents, signs, banners, balloons, piñatas, etc.) to trees, District signs, shelters, structures or buildings. Strapping, pinning, gluing or stapling to any shelter post, table, or other District structure is prohibited.

Any signs, decorations, waste, tables, chairs, and any other items brought into the preserve for the event MUST be removed prior to departure.

Call 911 in an emergency.

In a non-emergency, call the Laraway Communication Center at 815.727.6191 to reach a Forest Preserve officer.

Special Requests

Below is a list of special requests that require approval and a fee to be on site during your function. In addition to the fee, an inflatable, catering truck and portable smoker all require a certificate of insurance.

Generator on site: $15

Generator with inflatable: $25

Recreation equipment: $15/piece of equipment

Portable smoker/commercial grill: $15

Catering truck: $15

Beverage truck: $15

Amplified music/DJ: $25

20x20 tent: Free

Larger tents: $20

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How to Give

Support the Forest Preserve District by making a donation to the Nature Foundation of Will County. Your donation will go toward enhancing the Forest Preserve's education, conservation and recreation programs.